One Of The Country’s Most Loved Attractions Is In Maine AND Free

Because of the economy, most of us have had to make a few cutbacks.  Driving less, using less electricity, being a lot more careful when we go grocery shopping, and staying in more than we normally would.

Just because you are cutting back to save money, it does not mean you should do nothing but stay at home and watch basic cable.  No!  You should still go out to have fun.  You just may want to be a little more creative when it comes to going out.  Look a little harder for cheap or free things to do.

Love Exploring feels your pain.  That is why they have put together a list of the most loved free attractions in each state.

Deering Oaks Park

For Maine, they chose Portland's Deering Oaks Park.

Encompassing about 50 acres, the park is located in the city's Parkside neighborhood.  It is encircled by Deering Ave, Park Ave, State Street, and I-295.  And, it is located just down the street from Hadlock Field.

The park has a very old school, almost "Victorian", feel to it.  Kind of like a place you'd see the characters on Downton Abbey or Murdock Mysteries going for a walk.  There is a really good reason for that.  When the park was first designed in the 1870s, it was envisioned that it would always be a place for walking and would never become a modern park.

In fact, the Deering Oaks website says, in part:

Designed in 1879, just before Thomas Edison's invention of the incandescent light bulb, Deering Oaks was apparently not lit at night for almost a century. This is in keeping with designer City Engineer William Goodwin's intent that Deering Oaks be enjoyed as a natural place, a "public breathing space", not a formal park.

Of course, over the years, things were added to the park in order to modernize it.  Lighting, the fountain, the castle, and a bandstand.

These days, in addition to being a cool place to hang out, the park has tennis courts and volleyball courts.  It also serves as a venue for various events.  These include a regularly scheduled farmer's market and a family friendly winter fun day.

Take a look at this video showing off the park:

Check Out These Other Free Attractions In Maine

Looking for other free things to do in Maine?  Here are some places that are worth exploring.

• The Kennebec River Rail Trail - The scenic, bike / stroller friendly, trail runs from Augusta to Gardiner.
• Explore The Old Port - Portland's Old Port is loaded with unique shops, great restaurants, and unique watering holes
• Augusta's Capitol Park - You'll find this beautiful open space across State Street from the Maine State House
• Explore LL Bean - In addition to being an amazing shopping experience, the store also features fun and free activities.

What else needs to be on the list?  Send us a message inside our radio station app to let us know.